Fitbit, a name more commonly known for their health trackers, finally announced its first smartwatch. The FitBit Ionic is a cross-platform fitness-focused smartwatch launched that looks like the Fitbit Blaze, but that’s where the similarities end.
Waterproof up to 50m, the Ionic boasts a few other features that makes it comparable to other smartwatches out there. This includes built-in GPS, NFC payments, third-party app support and a reported four-day battery life. What is new with the Ionic is that it can be loaded with music files thanks to its built-in storage; a first for Fitbit devices. This makes the Ionic look like a good competitor against the Apple Watches and Android Wear devices we have in the market now; at least on paper.
The 348 x 250-pixel display is bright, at 1000-nits sits behind a curved glass, while operating the smartwatch is done via three physical buttons located on the sides. The heart-rate sensor is now flush into the body for better comfort and a more accurate heart rate monitoring.
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Out of the box the Ionic will be shipping with Pandora, Starbucks, AccuWeather and Strava. This is to complement the new OS for a more rounded experience of using it. Fitbit said that the SDK for software developers will be out in September.
To go with the Ionic, Fitbit also announced the FitBit Flyer, the company’s own weatherproof earphones. Using a durable hydrophobic nanocoating, it is supposed to be rain, splash and sweatproof. With a battery life of six-hours, it can also be used as a wireless hands-free for smartphones.
Three colour variants will be available for the Ionic: Blue gray band with silver case; slate blue band with burnt-orange case; and charcoal band with graphite gray case. There will also be alternative sport and leather straps to choose from if consumers wants to change the bands themselves. The Fitbit Ionic will be priced at US$ 299.95 (approx. RM 1,280) and the Fitbit Flyer will be available for US$ 129.95 (around RM 555)
(Source: Wareable )
